BMX - Frame Material

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Frame Material

HookKick
03-17-05, 08:20 AM
I'm just about to buy my first BMX bike, I was just wondering about frame material. I am trying to decide between a chromoly or aluminum frame. I will be doing both street riding and trail riding. I would like to have the option to do some jumping, but as I'm new I wont be putting too much strain on my bike. Basically what type of bike is more versatile, Racing or Freestyle?

queensrider86
03-17-05, 09:46 AM
chromoly- dont use a racing bike for street, it will crack
BMXTRIX
03-17-05, 09:59 AM
Don't underestimate how much strain newbies put on their bikes, especially when you consider that most newbies haven't learned how to be smooth yet. So, landings are harsh, bails are more common, and properly maintenance may not occur. This leads to a good chromoly bike being trashed pretty quickly by newbies.

An aluminum racing bike would be torn to shreds in just a few weeks.

Aluminum racing bikes (or flatland bikes) are made for that exact purpose. No serious jumping, no harsh landing, NO GRINDING! You can take an aluminum bike out for an infrequent street session, but it should not be your regular ride.

If you plan on NOT racing, then definitely go with a decent 4130 bike.

bmexican
03-17-05, 02:16 PM
theres nothing strange about using a cromo frame for racing, many racing frames are. but thats just another reason for choosing cromoly over aluminum. cromoly can be used for any kind of riding
bmxrulez5445
03-28-05, 05:22 PM
I also do both street and trails. I have a 4130 chro-mo bike frame and it holds up good. It may seem like u damage it when u land a bit hard by the sound but it's surprisingly hard to damage the chro-mo frames. Aluminum isnt too good for street. If you raced then it would be great. But you wouldnt want to take your chances so I would go with the chro-mo.
queensrider86
03-28-05, 05:31 PM
what sound does a chromoly frame make?
CMcMahon
03-28-05, 08:02 PM
When you hit it on the ground? A clanking thud.
queensrider86
03-28-05, 10:22 PM
wouldn't that be the rims?
bmxrulez5445
03-29-05, 05:29 PM
Well yeah...It is actualy a combo between the bottom of the frame and the rims. Also if you have a detanglar...that would make a sound too when you come down hard...
FLyBOy
03-29-05, 09:32 PM
Well yeah...It is actualy a combo between the bottom of the frame and the rims. Also if you have a detanglar...that would make a sound too when you come down hard...


I can almost garuntee it that it is the detangler. Mine makes a noise everytime I land hard.